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Carmel By The Sea Blog

A wooden sign at the entrance reads "Rosie's Dog Beach, City of Long Beach" with a graphic of a dog. Tall palm trees stand along the edge of the sandy beach, and a small building is visible nearby. The beach occupies several acres next to Ocean Boulevard and provides an off-leash area where dogs can run and swim freely under an open sky.

These 7 California beaches let your dog run completely free

California’s premier off-leash dog beaches: The complete field guide After three decades of exploring every beach, trail and hidden cove along California’s 1,100-mile coastline, we…

This illustrated map of California highlights dog-friendly destinations across the state. The coastline features beaches where people and their dogs play in the surf and run along sandy stretches. Forests in the north show hikers with leashed pets on shaded trails beneath redwoods and pines. In the mountains, skiers navigate snowy slopes alongside dogs fitted with boots or jackets. Major landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood sign, Yosemite’s Half Dome, and Lake Tahoe are marked with small groups: travelers accompanied by their dogs exploring city parks or pausing at scenic lookouts. The map uses bold colors to distinguish natural regions—blue for ocean areas, green for forests, white for mountain peaks—and includes labeled icons indicating popular pet-friendly activities throughout California’s diverse landscape.

California’s top tail-wagging destinations: Adventure awaits

Traveling with my dog has always transformed ordinary trips into unforgettable adventures. California, with its wealth of scenic beauty and dog-loving communities, offers some of…

A small dog in a red sweater sits on the hood of a vintage car parked outside the Cypress Inn, a hotel in California that welcomes pets. Several suitcases and golf bags rest beside the car. An American flag hangs overhead.

California hotels that don’t just tolerate dogs—they adore them

If you’ve traveled with a dog, you know there’s a big difference between hotels that merely tolerate pets and those that roll out the red…

Seven best dog beaches on the Northern California coast

Escape to the rugged wilderness of Northern California’s coast, where the salty air is as refreshing as the welcome extended to your four-legged friends. This…

A large Labrador retriever with a caramel coat sprawls comfortably on a neatly made bed. With its mouth slightly open, the dog exudes contentment and relaxation. The room's soft lighting casts a warm atmosphere, complemented by wooden furniture and a window offering an inviting view outside.

Canines reign supreme in Carmel

Carmel-by-the-Sea is consistently ranked one of the most dog-friendly communities in all of America. The artsy hamlet

Surf towns and sand on the Central Coast

California’s Central Coast is a sun-splashed adventure hub, especially during the dog days of summer. Start your voyage in

Five great California destinations for you and your dog

Has your pup been begging you to take them on vacation? We know the feeling. Lucky for you, California is full of incredible places that…

Two dogs splashing it up at Monterey County

Get wet at a Monterey County splash spot

For many visitors with dogs, the primary reason to visit the Monterey Peninsula is to share your dog’s joy in running free on Carmel City…

Big dog on Carmel City Beach in Monterey County

Carmel City Beach, Monterey County

• Carmel City Beach, Monterey County. Blue-ribbon honors go to city-owned Carmel Beach, a powdery, mile-long strand that is perhaps the best-known leash-free dog beach…

Leash-free sand and sea

The hands-down, No. 1 place to play in waves and sand in California is Carmel Beach, a powder-white, city-managed, mile-long strand on the outskirts of…

A curious canine observes his fellow furry friend eagerly plunging into the rhythmic dance of the ocean waves. - Dogtrekker

Scenic coasting in Monterey County

Monterey County boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, from Watsonville in the north to the famous Big Sur in the south.

dog in convertible in front of Cypess Inn

Sleeping with sparky in carmel

Dog-friendly hotels are a dime a dozen these days, but dog-passionate ones don’t come along very often—except in Carmel, where more than 20 hotels and…